GB2613010A

GB2613010A - Food processor for extracting liquid from a plant-based food ingredient

Info

Publication number: GB2613010A
Application number: GB2116732.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adjovi Michael; Grigoras Nadina
Original assignee: Milky Plant Ltd
Current assignee: Milky Plant Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-19
Filing date: 2021-11-19
Publication date: 2023-05-24
Also published as: GB202116732D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a food processor for extracting liquid from a plant based food ingredient comprising a cup 3 for the material ingredient, a water source, a cutting tool 7 within the cup and a rotary sieve 4 for removing solid residue from the liquid. The plant based food ingredient may be grains, pseudo-cereals, legumes, nuts tubers or seeds. The cutting tool may be formed of radially extending blades. The cup may have an outlet which can be selectively opened and closed, which may be achieved by a pressure valve. The water source may be connectable to mains water supply. The food processor may include more than one motor and the cutting tool and rotary sieve may be driven by separate motors. The food processor may include a dispenser for the liquid, and may dispense the liquid after it passes through the rotary sieve. A scales may be located beneath the dispenser.

Description

FOOD PROCESSOR FOR EXTRACTING LIQUID FROM A PLANT-BASED FOOD INGREDIENT

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to food processors for the extraction of liquid from a plant-based food ingredient. More specifically, the invention relates to a food processor for the extraction of a plant-based milk from a plant-based food ingredient.

Background to the Invention

Plant based food ingredients, such as grains, cereals, legumes, nuts and seeds, can be used to create plant-based milks Recently, there has been a growing demand for the consumption of plant-based milks as an alternative to dairy milk due to health and/or environmental concerns.

Common plant-based milks are almond milk, coconut milk rice milk, and soy milk. Other plant milks include hemp milk, oat milk, pea milk, and peanut milk.

There are a number of appliances known in the art for the manufacture of plant-based milks from raw ingredients at home.

However, these appliances either take a large amount of time to produce the milk; create a large amount of mess and/or are difficult to clean; or are unable to provide a milk free from solid contaminants without the use of multiple appliances.

Therefore, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a food processor which is able to extract liquid from a plant-based food ingredient in a reduced period of time.

It is also an aim of the present invention, to provide a food processor for extracting liquid from a plant-based food ingredient with reduced mess and reduced clean-up time.

It is further an aim of the present invention to provide a food processor which is able to produce a plant-based milk having a reduced number of solid contaminants.

It is also an aim of the present invention to overcome or mitigate at least one problem of the prior art, whether expressly disclosed herein or not.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a food processor for extracting liquid from a plant-based food ingredient comprising a cup for receiving the ingredient, a source of water, a cutting tool located within the cup, arid a rotary sieve connected to the cup for removing solid residues from the liquid.

Beneficially, a machine combining a cutting tool and a rotary sieve allows the production of liquid from a plant-based food ingredient which is substantially free of solid contaminants.

Moreover, the combination allows the production of a plant-based milk through the use of one machine and avoids the need for multiple components. This greatly reduces the time taken to prepare the milk and allows the production of smooth milk from a variety of plant sources.

The term "plant-based food ingredient" is used herein to refer to a food ingredient which is derived from plant sources.

The term "milk" is used herein to refer to a plant-based milk.

The term "plant-based milk" is used herein to refer to a milk-like liquid formed from the mixture of the liquid released upon cutting a plant-based food ingredient with water.

The term "milk-like" is used herein to refer to a liquid resembling milk in colour. More specifically, the term may refer to a substantially white opaque liquid.

The plant-based food ingredient may be any substance capable of creating a plant-based milk.

The plant-based food ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of grains, pseudocereals, legumes, nuts, tubers and seeds.

The grains may be selected from the group consisting of barley, fonio, maize millet oat rice, rye, sorghum, teff, triticale, spelt and wheat.

Preferably, the grain is oat.

The pseudocereals may be selected from the group consisting of amaranth, buckwheat and qui noa.

The legumes may be selected from the group consisting of lupin, pea, peanut and soy.

Preferably the legume is soy.

The nuts may be selected from the group consisting of almond, brazil cashew, hazelnut, macadamia pecan, pistachio, and walnut.

Preferably, the nut is almond and/or pistachio The seeds may be selected from the group consisting of chia seed, flax seed, hemp seed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed, or sunflower seed.

The tuber may be selected from the group consisting of potato or tiger nuts. Preferably, the tuber is tier nuts.

The plant-based food ingredient may comprise one or more plant-based food ingredients.

In such an embodiment, the plant-based food ingredient may comprise a blend of plant-based food ingredients.

The cup may comprise a base wall and a side wall, wherein the base wall and the side wall define a cavity therein.

The cup may further comprise a lid. The lid may extend over the side wall of the cup and lie opposite to the base wall.

The cup may be substantially circular.

The cup may have a diameter of at least 70mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm, or 120 mm. In some embodiments the cup may have a diameter of no more than 200 111111 190 mm, 180 mm. 170 mm, 160 mm. or 150 nun The cup may have a diameter of from 70 -150 min 80 -140 mm 80 -130 mm, 80 -120 mm, 90 -110 nun, 95 -110 mm, or 100 -110 mm The cup may have a height of at least 70mm. 80 mm, 90 mm. 100 mm. 110 mm, or 120 mm. In some embodiments the cup may have a height of no more than 200 mm, 190 nun 180 mm, 170 mm, 160 mm, or 150 mm.

The cup may have a height of from 70-150 mm, 80-140 mm, 80-130 mm, 80-120 mm, 90-110 mm, 90-105 mm, or 90 -100 mm.

The cup may have a volume of at least 500 mL, 600 mL, 700 mL, 800 mL, or 900 mL. In some embodiments the cup may have a volume of no more than 1500 mL, 1400 mL, 1300 mL, 1200 mL, 1100 mL or 1000 mL The cup may have a volume of from 500 -1500 mL 600 -1400 mL, 600 -1300 mL, 600-1200 mL 600-1100 mL, 60-1000 mL, 600 -900 mL, 700-900 mL or 750 -850 mL Preferably, the volume of the cup is 800 mL The cutting tool may comprise one or more blades.

The cutting tool may comprise one, two, three, four, five or more blades. The cutting tool may comprise one or more radially extending blades.

The cutting tool may comprise one, two, three, four, five or more radially extending blades.

The cutting tool may comprise a plurality of radially extending blades.

The blades may be configured to rotate around a central axis. In such an embodiment, the blades may be configured to rotate around a substantially vertical axis.

Preferably, the blade has four radially extending blades which are configured to rotate around a substantially vertical axis.

The cutting tool is configured to cut the food ingredient.

The cutting tool may have a speed of at least 9000 rpm, 10000 rpm, 11000 rpm, 12000 rpm, or 13000 rpm. In one embodiment the cutting tool may have a speed of no more than 20000 rpm, 19000 rpm, 18000 rpm, 17000 rpm, 16000 rpm, or 15000 rpm.

The cutting tool may have a speed of from 9000 -20000 rpm, 10000 -19000 rpm, 11000-18000 rpm, 12000-17000 rpm, or 13000-16000 rpm.

Preferably, the cutting tool is located substantially centrally in the base of the cup.

The cup may have an outlet.

The outlet is suitable for releasing liquid from the cup.

Preferably, the outlet is located on the side wall of the cup. Most preferably, the outlet is located at a lower portion of the side wall.

The outlet may be adapted to open and close.

The outlet may be adapted to open and close by a valve.

The valve may be adapted to open and close upon a change in pressure inside the cup.

The valve may be adapted to close during operation of the cutting tool and the valve may be adapted to open once the cup is substantially filled with liquid.

The valve may be a pressure valve.

Preferably, the valve is an electric pressure valve.

Preferably the valve is adapted to open upon an electrical signal.

The electrical signal may be issued upon completion of the blending process.

Preferably the electrical signal is provided by a PCB.

The sieve is operable to separate solid contaminants from the liquid formed in the cup.

The solid contaminants may be pulp.

The sieve is located such that it is able to receive liquid from the cup. The sieve may be in fluid connection but separated from the cup.

The sieve may have a base part.

The base part may have one or more openings to allow passage of liquid. The base part may have a plurality of openings.

The openings are sized such that liquid is allowed to pass through, hut solid contaminants are unable to pass through.

The base wall may be any regular geometric shape.

Preferably, the base wall is circular.

The sieve may also have a side wall.

The side wall may have more than one opening.

The side wall may have a plurality of openings.

The side wall and the base wall of the sieve define a cavity therein.

The cavity may have a volume of at least 100 mL, 125 mL, 150 mL or 200 mL In some embodiments the cavity may have a volume of no more than 250 mL, 225 mL, or 200 mL. Preferably, the cavity may have a volume of from 150 -250 mL Solid contaminants may collect in the cavity. The collected solid contaminants may be dried by the motion of the sieve. Beneficially, this allows the solid contaminants to be reused. For example, in some embodiments the solid contaminants may be reused in nut and/or cereal flour. The flour may be used in multiple applications, such as the manufacture of smoothies, granola, and/or baking.

The sieve may be configured to rotate around a central axis.

The rotary operation of the sieve increases the effectiveness of the sieve in filtering solid contaminants from the liquid. Beneficially, the centrifugal force created by the rotation reduces the time taken for the liquid to drain through the sieve.

The sieve may rotate at a speed of at least 600 rpm, 700 rpm. 800 rpm. 900 rpm, or 1000 rpm. In one embodiment the cutting tool may rotate at a speed of no more than 1800 rpm, 1700 rpm, 1600 rpm, 1500 rpm, 1400 rpm, or 1300 rpm.

The sieve may rotate at a speed of from 600 -1800 rpm, 700 -1700 rpm, 800 -1600 rpm, 900 -1500 rpm, 900-1400 rpm, 900-1300 rpm, 900 -1200 rpm, 1000 -1500 rpm, 1100 -1500 rpm, 1200-1500 rpm, 1300 -1500 rpm, 1000 -1400 rpm, or 1100 -1300 rpm.

The sieve is configured to rotate for a period of at least 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, or 40 seconds. In some embodiments the sieve is configured to rotate for a period of no more than 75 seconds, 70 seconds, 65 seconds, 60 seconds, 55 seconds, or 50 seconds.

The sieve may be configured to rotate for a period of from 15 -75 seconds, 20 -70 seconds, 25 -65 seconds, 30 -60 seconds, 30 -55 seconds, 30-50 seconds, 30 -45 seconds, 30 -40 seconds, 35 -60 seconds, 40 -60 seconds, 45 -60 seconds, or 50 -60 seconds.

The inventors surprisingly found that the combination of the above speeds and time period for filtration provided an optimum milk texture. The above speeds are optimised to result in adequate solid separation from the milk. For example, lower rotation speeds may result in excessively long processing times and higher rotation speeds may result in poorer filtration.

The sieve may be removable. This allows the sieve to be removed from the food processor and washed. Beneficially, this prevents blockages and makes the food processor easier to clean.

The source of water is configured to supply water into the cup. The water is mixed with the food ingredients during operation of the cutting tool.

The source of water may also supply water for cleaning the cup. In such an embodiment, the supply of water and operation of the cutting tool without the presence of food ingredients may clean the cup.

The source of water may be in fluid connection with the cup.

The source of water may be connected to the cup by a water pump.

The source of water may be a water reservoir. Preferably, the source of water is a water tank.

The source of water may have a capacity of at least 0.5 litres, 0.6 litres, 0.7 litres, 0.8 litres, 0.9 litres, 1 litre, 1.1 litres, 1.2 litres, 1.3 litres, 1.4 litres or 1.5 litres. In one embodiment, the source of water may have a capacity of no more than 2.5 litres, 2.4 litres, 2.3 litres, 2.2 litres, 2.1 litres, 2.0 litres, 1.9 litres, 1.8 litres, 1.7 litres, 1.6 litres, or 1.5 litres.

The source of water may have a capacity of from 0.5 -2 litres, 0.6 -1.9 litres, 0.7-1.8 litres, 0.8-1.7 litres, 0.9 -1.8 litres, 1-1.8 litres, 1.1-1.7 litres, or 1.2 -1.7 litres.

Preferably, the source of water has a capacity of 1.2-1.7 litres. The source of water may be connected to a water pump.

The source of water may be connectable to a mains water supply. The source of water may be automatically replenished.

The food processor may comprise at least one motor for driving the cutting tool and/or the rotary sieve.

The food processor may comprise more than one motor.

The cutting tool and the rotary sieve may be driven by separate motors.

Beneficially, this allows the performance of the cutting tool and the rotary sieve to be controlled independently and optimised for their function. For example, the inventors found that the blender requires a greater speed of operation than the rotary sieve.

The motor may have a power of at least 100 Watts, 200 Watts, 300 Watts, 400 Watts or 500 Watts. In one embodiment the motor may have a power of no more than 800 Watts, 700 Watts, 600 Watts, or 500 Watts.

The motor may have a power of from 100 -800 Watts, 200 -700 Watts, 200 -600 Watts, 250-550 Watts, 250 -500 Watts, 300 -450 Watts, 300 -400 Watts.

The food processor may have a dispenser connected to the rotary sieve.

The dispenser may be suitable for dispensing liquid from the processor after the liquid has passed through the rotary sieve The dispenser may comprise a nozzle.

There may be one or more sensors located underneath the dispenser.

The one or more sensors may be activated by the placement of a drinking container under the dispenser.

The sensor may be any suitable sensor known in the art.

The sensor may be a weight sensor and/or an infrared sensor. Preferably, the sensor is a weight sensor.

Activation of the sensor may allow liquid to be dispensed from the dispenser.

Non-activation of the sensor may prevent liquid from being dispensed from the dispenser.

The cup may also comprise a safety lock mechanism. The safety lock mechanism is preferably adapted to lock and unlock the lid of the cup.

In such an embodiment, the safety lock mechanism is linked to the motor, such that unlocking of the safety lock may prevent the cutting tool from operating.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for extracting liquid from a plant-based food ingredient using a food processor according to a first aspect of the present invention comprising the steps of: a) placing food ingredients into the cup; b) operating the cutting tool and injecting water into the cup from the source of water to form a liquid; c) allowing the liquid to flow to the rotary sieve; d) operating the rotary sieve; and e) dispensing the liquid that has passed through the sieve from the food processor.

The method may be automatic. In such an embodiment, all of the above steps may be performed after the press of a start button.

Step b) may last for a period of period of at least 30 seconds, 35 seconds, 40 seconds, or 50 seconds. In some embodiments the cutting tool is configured to operate for a period of no more than 120 seconds, 100 seconds, 90 seconds, 80 seconds, 70 seconds, or 65 seconds.

Step b) may last for a period of from 30 -120 seconds, 40-110 seconds, 45 -100 seconds, 45 -90 seconds, 45 -80 seconds, 50 -70 seconds, or 55 -65 seconds.

The liquid may be left in step d) for a period of at least 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, or 40 seconds. In some embodiments the sieve is configured to rotate for a period of no more than 75 seconds, 70 seconds, 65 seconds, 60 seconds, 55 seconds, or 50 seconds.

The liquid may be left in step d) for a period of from 15 -75 seconds, 20 -70 seconds, 25 -65 seconds, 30-60 seconds, 30 -55 seconds, 30-50 seconds, 30 -45 seconds, 30-40 seconds, 35 -60 seconds, 40 -60 seconds, 45 -60 seconds, or 50 -60 seconds.

The method of extracting liquid may last for a period of at least 60 seconds, 65 seconds, or 70 seconds. In some embodiments, the method may last for a period of no more than 120 seconds, 110 seconds, 100 seconds, or 90 seconds.

The method may last for a period of from 60 -120 seconds, 70 -110 seconds, 75 -105 seconds, 80-100 seconds, or 85 -95 seconds.

Step e) may comprise dispensing the liquid from a dispenser.

In such an embodiment, step e) may only be performed if a drinking container is located under the dispenser.

Step 6) may be performed whilst the cup outlet is closed. Step c) may comprise a step of opening the cup outlet.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-cleaning method for a food processor according to a first aspect of the present invention comprising the steps of: a) injecting clean water into the cup body from the source of water; b) operating the cutting tool to move the water in the cup; c) dispensing the water from the food processor.

The self-cleaning method may further comprise the step of removing the rotary sieve before step c). The rotary sieve may then be manually cleaned prior to reattachment to the food processor.

The self-cleaning method may last for a period of at least 60 seconds, 65 seconds, or 70 seconds. In some embodiments, the may last for a period of no more than 120 seconds, 110 seconds, 100 seconds, or 90 seconds.

The method may last for a period of from 60 -120 seconds, 70-110 seconds. 75 -105 seconds. 80-100 seconds, or 85 -95 seconds.

Beneficially, this means that. the food processor may extract liquid from a plant-based food ingredient and self-clean within 3 minutes.

Step b) may be performed whilst the cup outlet is closed.

A step of opening the cup outlet may be performed before step c).

The step c) of dispensing the water may comprise dispensing the water from a dispenser.

The further aspects of the present invention may incorporate any of the features of the other aspects of the invention described herein as desired or as appropriate.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a food processor according to the present.

invention.

Figure 2 shows an interior cross section of a food processor according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the rotary sieve of the present invention As shown in Figures 1. 2 and 3 the food processor (1) comprises a source of water in the form of a water tank (2), a cup (3) and a rotary sieve (4).

The cup is circular and has a side wall (5) and base wall (6), the side wall (5) and base wall (6) defining a cavity therein. The cup also has a lid (14) which extends over the side wall (5) and lies opposite to the base wall (6). The lid (14) may be removeable such that a food ingredient may be added to the cup (3).

The cup has a cutting tool (7) located at the base of the cup. The cutting tool consists of four radially extending blades. The blades are configured to rotate around a central axis. The central axis is vertical. The cutting tool (7) is connected to a 300-400 Watts motor (8) which produces a minimum speed of 13000 rpm.

The cup (3) has an outlet (9) located at the lower portion of the side wall where the side wall (5) meets the base wall (6). The outlet (9) is an electric valve which allows the outlet (9) to be automatically opened upon an electric signal from the PCB upon completion of the blending process cup (3).

The outlet (9) is connected to the sieve (4), such that the liquid flows to the sieve (4) once the valve is opened.

The rotary sieve (4) has a base wall (10) and side wall (11), the base wall (10) and side wall (11) defining a cavity therein. The base wall (10) has a plurality of openings, and the side wall (11) has a plurality of openings.

The base wall (10) and side wall (11) of the sieve (4) are circular, thereby forming a cylindrical cavity. The height of the side walls (11) is 35 mm and the diameter of the base wall (10) is 88.73 mm. The volume of the cavity is 216.4 cm3.

The sieve (4) rotates around a central axis. The central axis is substantially vertical.

The sieve (4) is connected to a 300 Watt motor (12). The sieve rotates at a speed of 1500 rpm. Beneficially, this speed provides optimum separation of the solid residues from the liquid.

The processor (1) has a dispenser (13) located underneath the rotary sieve (4), such that liquid may flow to the dispenser (13) once passing through the rotary sieve (4).

The dispenser (13) has a nozzle for dispensing the liquid.

A weight sensor is positioned under the dispenser (13) which detects the presence of a drinking container. Once detected, the dispenser (13) may dispense liquid through the nozzle.

The water tank (2) may be connected to the mains by a water pump so that it may be refilled automatically.

The water tank (2) is connected to the cup (3) by a water pump.

In use, the lid (14) of the cup (3) is opened and a plant-based food ingredient is placed into the cup (3). The cup lid (14) is then closed and the processor (1) is activated. Upon activation, water is injected into the cup (3) from the water tank (2) and the cutting tool (7) rotates around the central axis cutting into the food ingredients to form a plant-based liquid. The cutting tool (7) is activated for a period of 60 seconds.

After I minute, the cup outlet (9) is then opened as pressure increases in the cup (3) and the liquid is allowed to flow to the rotary sieve (4). Upon the liquid entering the cavity of the rotating sieve (4), the rotating sieve (4) is activated and rotates around its axis at a speed of 1500 rpm for a period of 30 seconds. The rotation of the sieve (4) around the central axis aids in the separation of solid residues from the liquid.

After 30 seconds, the dispenser (13) dispenses the liquid into a drinking container placed under the dispenser (13).

Beneficially, the processor (1) therefore provides a plant based-liquid from the raw food ingredients within a period of 90 seconds.

The processor (1) may then be self-cleaned by activation of the self-clean function.

Upon activation, water is injected into the cup (3) from the water tank (2) and the cutting tool (7) is operated at a speed of 13000 rpm for 60 seconds. The blades of the cutting tool (7) drive the water against the walls (7) and base (6) of the cup, thereby removing any residue and cleaning the cup (3). After 60 seconds the cup outlet (9) may then be opened and the dirty water may flow to the rotary sieve (4), where it is then dispensed from the dispenser (13).

The rotary sieve (4) may then be removed from the processor (1) and manually cleaned.

Beneficially, the processor (1) of the present invention allows the production of a substantially smooth plant-based milk from the raw plant-based food ingredients and self-cleans within under 3 minutes.

Example l

Almonds were added to a food processor as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The lid (14) of the cup (3) was opened and almonds were placed into the cup (3). The cup lid (14) was then closed and the processor (1) was activated. Upon activation, water was injected into the cup (3) from the water tank (2) and the cutting tool (7) rotated around the central axis cutting into the almonds to form almond milk upon mixture with the water. The cutting tool (7) was activated for a period of 60 seconds.

After 1 minute, the cup outlet (9) was then opened and the milk was allowed to flow to the rotary sieve (4). Upon the milk enteiing the cavity of the rotating sieve (4), the rotating sieve (4) was activated and the sieve rotated around its axis at a speed of 1500 rpm for a period of 30 seconds.

After 30 seconds, the dispenser (13) dispensed the milk into a drinking container placed under the dispenser (13).

The processor was able to provide almond milk form the raw ingredients within a period of 90 seconds. The milk had a substantially smooth texture with no solid contaminants.

Example 2

Soybeans were added to a food processor as shown in Figures 1 and 2 The lid (14) of the cup (3) was opened and soybeans were placed into the cup (3). The cup lid (14) was then closed and the processor (1) was activated. Upon activation, water was injected into the cup (3) from the water tank (2) and the cutting tool (7) rotated around the central axis cutting into the soybeans to form soy milk upon mixture with the water. The cutting tool (7) was activated for a period of 60 seconds.

After 1 minute, the cup outlet (9) was then opened and the milk was allowed to flow to the rotary sieve (4). Upon the milk entering the cavity of the rotating sieve (4), the rotating sieve (4) was activated and the sieve rotated around its axis at a speed of 1500 rpm for a period of 30 seconds.

The processor was able to provide soy milk form the raw ingredients within a period of 90 seconds. The milk had a substantially smooth texture with no solid contaminants.

Example 3

Tiger nuts were added to a food processor as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The lid (14) of the cup (3) was opened and tiger nuts were placed into the cup (3). The cup lid (14) was then closed and the processor (1) was activated. Upon activation, water was injected into the cup (3) from the water tank (2) and the cutting tool (7) rotated around the central axis cutting into the tiger nuts to form tiger nut milk upon mixture with the water. The cutting tool (7) was activated for a period of 60 seconds After 1 minute, the cup outlet (9) was then opened and the milk was allowed to flow to the rotary sieve (4). Upon the milk entering the cavity of the rotating sieve (4), the rotating sieve (4) was activated and the sieve rotated around its axis at a speed of 1500 rpm for a period of 30 seconds.

The processor was able to provide tiger nut milk form the raw ingredients within a period of 90 seconds. The milk had a substantially smooth texture with no solid contaminants.

Example 4

Pistachio nuts were added to a food processor as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The lid (14) of the cup (3) was opened and pistachio nuts were placed into the cup (3). The cup lid (14) was then closed and the processor (1) was activated. Upon activation, water was injected into the cup (3) from the water tank (2) and the cutting tool (7) rotated around the central axis cutting into the pistachio nuts to form pistachio nut milk upon mixture with the water. The cutting tool (7) was activated for a period of 60 seconds.

After I minute, the cup outlet (9) was then opened and the milk was allowed to flow to the rotary sieve (4). Upon the milk entefing the cavity of the rotating sieve (4), the rotating sieve (4) was activated and the sieve rotated around its axis at a speed of 1500 rpm for a period of 30 seconds.

The processor was able to provide pistachio nut milk form the raw ingredients within a period of 90 seconds. The milk had a substantially smooth texture with no solid contaminants.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A food processor for extracting liquid from a plant-based food ingredient comprising a cup for receiving the ingredient, a source of water, a cutting tool located within the cup, and a rotary sieve connected to the cup for removing solid residues from the liquid.
2. A processor according to claim 1, wherein the plant-based food ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of grains, pseudocereals, legumes nuts, tubers and seeds.
3. A processor according to claim 2, wherein the plant-based food ingredient is a nut or tuber.
4. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the cutting tool comprises a plurality of radially extending blades.
A processor according to claim 5, Wherein the cutting tool has a speed of from 9000 -20000 rpm.
6. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the cup has an outlet which is adapted to open and close.
7. A processor according to claim 6, wherein the outlet is adapted to open and close by a pressure valve.
8. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the sieve has a base part having one or more openings.
9. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the sieve rotates at a speed of from 600-1800 rpm.
10. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the sieve rotates for a period of from 15 -75 seconds.
11. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the source of water is a water tank.
12. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the source of water has a capacity of from 0.5 -2 litres.
13. A processor according to any preceding claim wherein the source of water is connectable to a mains water supply.
14. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the food processor may comprise more than one motor.
15. A processor according to claim 14 wherein die cutting tool and the rotary sieve are driven by separate motors.
16. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the food processor has a dispenser for dispensing liquid.
17. A processor according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser is connected to the rotary sieve such that the dispenser dispenses liquid after it has passed through the rotary sieve.
18. A processor according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein a weight sensor is located underneath the dispenser.
19. A method for extracting liquid from a plant-based food ingredient using a food processor according to any one of claims 1 to 18 comprising the steps of: a) placing food ingredients into the cup; b) operating the cutting tool and injecting water into the cup from the source of water to form a liquid; c) allowing the liquid to flow to the rotary sieve; d) operating the rotary sieve; and c) dispensing the liquid that has passed through the sieve from the food processor.
20. A self-cleaning method for a food processor according to any one of claims 1 to 18 comprising the steps of: a) injecting clean water into the cup body from the source of water; 1)) operating the cutting tool to move the water in the cup; c) dispensing the water from the food processor.